Beware of drowsy driving

The New York State Partnership Against Drowsy Driving (NYPDD) reminds drivers to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving.

“Drowsiness and fatigue are contributing factors in thousands of crashes every year on our highways, causing far too many preventable deaths and injuries,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner and chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). “We urge all motorists to be alert to the warning signs of drowsiness … and take the necessary steps to ensure that they never drive while drowsy.”

Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said, “Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving impaired or distracted. It’s important for motorists to know the warning signs of fatigue and what to do if they experience drowsiness while driving. The Thruway Authority’s service areas located across the state are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if motorists need a safe place to take a break if they are feeling tired. Staying alert and making smart decisions can help save lives.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added, “Avoid drowsy driving and protect yourself from accidents by getting enough rest, avoiding alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness and taking breaks during long drives.”

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Before you hit the road, ensure you get adequate sleep, and while driving, watch out for the warning signs of drowsiness. Your actions while driving impact everyone on the road, so please stay alert and drive safely as the weather changes.”

Lisa M. Endee, clinical associate professor at Stony Brook School of Health Professions, warned, “Drowsy driving exhibits many of the same physical, cognitive and visual impairments associated with other hazardous driving behaviors, significantly increasing the risk of motor vehicle crashes. The ‘Stay Awake, Stay Alive’ campaign seeks to target prevention by raising awareness about the signs and dangers of drowsy driving while encouraging healthy sleep habits as an important aspect of safety.”

In 2024, 4,722 police-reported crashes in NYS involved “fatigue/drowsy driving” and/or “driver fell asleep” as contributing factors, according to preliminary statistics from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research (ITSMR) at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College. Of the reported crashes, nine involved at least one fatality and 1,777 involved at least one injury.

So far in 2025, those same factors have been listed 1,903 times on police crash reports from across the state, according to preliminary figures from ITSMR. Of those reported crashes, four involved at least one fatality and 700 involved at least one injury.

In 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 633 fatalities from drowsy driving-related crashes in the U.S. NHTSA said drowsy driving is likely underreported as a crash factor due to lack of firm evidence. Evidence can be difficult to obtain because investigations are done after the crash. Drivers may be unaware of the role drowsiness played; drivers may be reluctant to admit they were tired or fell asleep; or the involved driver may have died.

The NYPDD also cautions against relying upon common strategies to overcome fatigue and avoid drowsiness, such as opening a window, turning on air conditioning or playing loud music. In addition, the effects of caffeine can take a half hour to set in and only provide a short-term increase in driver alertness. The safest thing to do when drivers experience drowsiness is to pull over and find a safe place to sleep.

NYPDD engages college campuses statewide in drowsy-driving injury prevention programs, including awareness, education and outreach focused on the importance of sleep. NYS Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) partnered with the NYPDD to sponsor a “Stay Awake! Stay Alive! Public Service Announcement (PSA) Challenge” for students at 18 SUNY campuses, two CUNY campuses and Ithaca College to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while drowsy.

The three winning PSAs were aired on social media, at Thruway service areas and at DMV offices throughout the state, and the students who produced those videos won cash awards. NYS SADD and NYPDD will sponsor another PSA challenge for students in spring 2026 at the same schools and will announce additional details later.

While anyone can be at risk for drowsy driving, some groups have been identified as more vulnerable. Commercial drivers, including tractor trailer, tour bus and public transit drivers, are at increased risk of drowsy/fatigued driving, likely because of the hours they are on the road, including late-night trips.

Other groups at risk include people who work long hours or late-night shifts; people with sleep disorders; parents or caregivers of infants and young children; young and newer drivers; and college and high school students.

The warning signs of drowsy driving include repeated yawning, struggling to keep one’s eyes open and focused, forgetting the last few miles driven, tailgating or missing traffic signals and swerving or drifting between lanes of traffic. Drivers should get adequate sleep before driving, take a break about every 100 miles or every two hours, and bring a passenger to help keep them awake and share the driving. Do not drink alcohol before driving and always be aware of the potential side effects of any medications.

For more information about the dangers of drowsy driving and strategies to avoid it, visit StopDrowsyDriving.org.